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Resources updated between Monday, October 20, 2014 and Sunday, October 26, 2014

October 25, 2014

"Iran executed Saturday a 26-year-old woman who had spent five years on death row for the murder of a former intelligence official, defying international pressure to spare her life. Reyhaneh Jabbari was hanged at dawn, the official IRNA news agency quoted the Tehran prosecutor's office as saying.
A message posted on the homepage of a Facebook campaign that was set up to try to save her, but which now states "Rest in Peace," confirmed the report.
Amnesty International said in a statement issued late Friday that Jabbari, an interior designer, was due to be executed for the 2007 stabbing of Morteza Abdolali Sarbandi. A UN human rights monitor had said the killing of Sarbandi was an act of self-defence after he tried to sexually assault Jabbari, and that her trial in 2009 had been deeply flawed."

"Soheyla now speaks with difficulty, the acid burns across her face have collapsed her skin, tightening it so that she cannot open her mouth all the way. Her words come out broken and half-formed, but it is her eyes that trouble her the most. The acid gouged out one eye entirely, leading to full loss of sight, and the doctors say her other eye may retain 20 percent vision if surgery is successful. 'I am only thinking about my eyes,' she says. 'Nothing can replace my eyes.'
"A victim of the recent spate of acid attacks on women in the city of Isfahan, Soheyela encountered her assailant on her way home from a local swimming pool. She had just dropped off her friends when she heard the sound of a motorcycle revving up from behind. An instant later, her whole face was burning. 'It was burning so bad that I jumped out of the car,' she says. 'I was moaning and taking off my clothes. People gathered around me, but nobody knew what to do. They all kept saying I must put my clothes back on. Some of them threw my clothes back at me, which made my body burn more.'
"In early October reports began emerging in Isfahan that women were being attacked with acid in public places. All the accounts involved unknown assailants approaching women on the street, throwing liquid sulfuric acid on their faces and bodies, and then escaping. As the reports mounted, with unofficial counts finding at least 10, panic has set in across the city, with women fearful of moving freely in public, and local officials seeking to calm residents with news of purported arrests.
"The Isfahan attacks have ignited national indignation and a political storm in the capital Tehran, with senior officials rushing to refute a connection with Islamist vigilantes. For the government of President Hassan Rouhani they may also preface an unwelcome showdown with hardline opponents, whose recent moves to re-introduce extremist street morality policing appears linked to the attacks..."

"Saudi Arabia's Interior Ministry on Thursday issued a warning to women not to get behind the wheel in defiance of the kingdom's men-only road rules after a renewed social media campaign to challenge the law by driving in public.

"The announcement comes ahead of the anniversary on Oct. 26 of a demonstration last year in which dozens of Saudi women said they had taken to the road in protest at the ban on female drivers, leading to some arrests.

"In recent weeks, campaigners have been pushing on social media for women to drive themselves and post pictures or films online, as they did in the run-up to last year's protest.

"'The Interior Ministry emphasizes it will firmly apply the laws against anyone who participates (in a protest by female drivers),' the ministry said a statement carried by state media.

"Any such attempt by women to drive in public in breach of the law was 'an opportunity for predators to undermine social cohesion', the ministry said.

"A three-month old girl, identified by her grandfather as Chaya Zissel, was killed and several US citizens and Israelis were wounded Wednesday evening when a convicted Palestinian terrorist from the east Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan rammed his vehicle into a crowd of people in the capital.

"The attack, which was captured by a security camera, took place at the Ammunition Hill light-rail stop a few hundred meters from Israel's national police headquarters, situated across a densely traveled thoroughfare, shortly after 6 p.m., a senior police official said.

"The terrorist was shot by police and late Wednesday evening he died in hospital.

"'The vehicle ran over a number of people, including several Americans, as they exited the train, and the suspect was shot when he attempted to flee the scene by foot,' the official said, requesting anonymity until the US State Department confirms the American casualties.

"'Nine people were injured, three seriously, including an American infant who died after sustaining critical injuries,' he continued.

"The official described the suspect as a convicted terrorist who served a recent prison sentence in Israel, but did not indicate whether he was released during the 2011 Gilad Schalit prisoner exchange or last year's release of more than 70 convicted Palestinian terrorists during peace negotiations..."

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper described the perpetrator of a 'brutal and violent' attack on the Parliament complex in Ottawa that left a soldier dead Wednesday as a 'terrorist' in an address to the nation.

"'We will not be intimidated. Canada will never be intimidated,' Harper said before vowing that the attack would 'lead us to strengthen our resolve and redouble our efforts' to keep the country safe and work with Canada's allies to fight terrorists.

"The assault rocked Parliament over and over with the boom of gunfire, led MPs to barricade doors with chairs and sent people streaming from the building in fear. Harper was addressing a caucus when the attack began outside the door, but he safely escaped. He gave his address Wednesday evening from an undisclosed location.

"Earlier Wednesday, Canadian authorities identified the shooter as Michael Zehaf-Bibeau, 32. A government official told Fox News that they have been advised that Zehaf-Bibeau, a Quebec native, was thought to be a recent convert to Islam who had changed his name from Michael Joseph Hall. Investigators offered little additional information about the gunman. However, Harper said in his address that 'in the days to come we will learn about the terrorist and any accomplices he may have had...'"

On October 21, 2014 human rights abuser Paraguay was elected to serve a 3-year term on the UN "Human Rights" Council. Candidates must receive 97 votes of the 193 UN General Assembly members in order to be elected. Paraguay received 139 votes, more than the fully democratic state of Costa Rica which lost its bid for a second council term. Diplomats from other democratic states describe Costa Rica's loss as "shocking."

As part of its candidature for the Council, Paraguay submitted a "pledge" to protect human rights. Here's what a large majority of UN states evidently took seriously:

"Convinced that the protection and exercise of human rights is the foundation
of an effective democracy, in particular when all vulnerable groups are included, the
Government of Paraguay has continuously stepped up its efforts to institutionalize
human rights in the country."

"Security forces committed human rights abuses. The principal human rights problems were impunity in the judicial sector, together with lengthy pretrial detention and trial delays, harsh and at times life-threatening prison conditions, and police involvement in criminal activities, including unlawful killings by persons associated with the security forces. Other human rights problems included the killing and intimidation of journalists by organized-crime groups, corruption, discrimination, and violence in the society and in government against women and indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons, and trafficking in persons. Problems with child labor and violations of worker rights occurred often."

Paraguay is not ranked "fully free" by the Freedom House index. The October 21st election results mean less than half of all the members of the UN's top human rights body are fully free democracies - 20 of 47.

On October 21, 2014 human rights abuser Bolivia was elected to serve a 3-year term on the UN "Human Rights" Council. Candidates must receive 97 votes of the 193 UN General Assembly members in order to be elected. Bolivia received 144 votes, more than the fully democratic state of Costa Rica which lost its bid for a second council term. Diplomats from other democratic states describe Costa Rica's loss as "shocking."

As part of its candidature for the Council, Bolivia submitted a "pledge" to protect human rights. Here's what a large majority of UN states evidently took seriously:

"The Plurinational State of Bolivia attaches the greatest importance to international cooperation for the promotion and protection of human rights."

"Security forces committed human rights abuses. The most serious human rights problems included widespread corruption and inefficiency in the country's law enforcement and judicial system, leading to arbitrary arrest or detention and denial of a fair and timely public trial, as well as violence against women. Additional human rights problems included harsh prison conditions, restrictions on freedom of speech and press, lack of government transparency, trafficking in persons, and vigilante justice. Societal discrimination continued against women; members of racial and ethnic minority groups; indigenous persons; individuals with disabilities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons; and those with HIV/AIDS."

Bolivia is not ranked "fully free" by the Freedom House index. The October 21st election results mean less than half of all the members of the UN's top human rights body are fully free democracies - 20 of 47.

On October 21, 2014 human rights abuser Albania was elected to serve a 3-year term on the UN "Human Rights" Council. Candidates must receive 97 votes of the 193 UN General Assembly members in order to be elected. Albania received 176 votes.

As part of its candidature for the Council, Albania submitted a "pledge" to protect human rights. Here's what a large majority of UN states evidently took seriously:

"Albania has actively embraced and promoted the ideals and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations...The Republic of Albania remains committed to promoting multilateralism as
an effective tool in the protection and promotion of human rights. Albania is further
fully committed to the universal promotion and protection of human rights and
fundamental freedoms."

"Security forces committed human rights abuses. The most significant human rights problems were: pervasive corruption in all branches of government, and particularly within the judicial system; the stalling of the reform agenda, in particular the fight against corruption, as the political parties focused on the June elections; and domestic violence and discrimination against women. Other human rights problems included police beating and other mistreatment of suspects during detention and interrogation, sometimes to elicit confessions; substandard prison conditions; an inefficient judiciary subject to political pressure and corruption; and child abuse. Displaced and street children remained a problem, particularly within the Romani community. Marginalization and abuse of the Romani and Balkan Egyptian communities were serious problems. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity was a problem. Cases of trafficking in persons continued to be reported. Impunity remained a problem. Government efforts to prosecute officials who committed abuses were sporadic and inconsistent. Government officials and politicians, as well as judges and those with powerful business interests, often were able to avoid prosecution."

Albania is not ranked "fully free" by the Freedom House index. The October 21st election results mean less than half of all the members of the UN's top human rights body are fully free democracies - 20 of 47.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh welcoming the Emir of Qatar and his wife to the Gaza Strip, October 23, 2012.

On October 21, 2014 human rights abuser and sponsor of terrorism Qatar was elected to serve a 3-year term on the UN "Human Rights" Council. Candidates must receive 97 votes of the 193 UN General Assembly members in order to be elected. Qatar received 142 votes.

As part of its candidature for the Council, Qatar submitted a "pledge" to protect human rights. Here's what a large majority of UN states evidently took seriously:

"The promotion and protection of human rights is one of the pillars of the policy of the State of Qatar...The State of Qatar is addressing the issue of human rights in an integrated manner that takes into account the importance of fundamental freedoms and democracy, places human beings at the centre of State policy, respects freedom of expression and judicial independence, and promotes a culture of peace and acceptance of others."

"The principal human rights problems were the inability of citizens to change their government peacefully, restriction of fundamental civil liberties, and pervasive denial of noncitizen workers' rights. The monarch-appointed government prohibited organized political parties and restricted civil liberties, including freedoms of speech, press, and assembly and access to a fair trial for persons held under the Protection of Society Law and Combating Terrorism Law. Other continuing human rights concerns included restrictions on the freedoms of religion and movement, as foreign laborers could not freely travel abroad. Trafficking in persons, primarily in the domestic worker and labor sectors, was a problem. Legal, institutional, and cultural discrimination against women limited their participation in society...There is no specific law criminalizing domestic violence... domestic violence against women continued to be a problem."

Qatar is not ranked "fully free" by the Freedom House index. The October 21st election results mean less than half of all the members of the UN's top human rights body are fully free democracies - 20 of 47.

On October 21, 2014 human rights abuser Congo was elected to serve a 3-year term on the UN "Human Rights" Council. Candidates must receive 97 votes of the 193 UN General Assembly members in order to be elected. Congo received 185 votes.

As part of its candidature for the Council, Congo submitted a "pledge" to protect human rights. Here's what a large majority of UN states evidently took seriously:

"The Republic of the Congo declares its candidacy for re-election to the Human Rights Council as a testament to its commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms...the Constitution of the Congo is a legal instrument that enshrines its commitment to the universal values of peace, freedom, equality, justice, tolerance and probity, and to the virtues of dialogue. It guarantees all citizens' civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights."

"Major human rights problems included beatings and torture of detainees by security forces, poor prison conditions, and lengthy pretrial detention. Other human rights abuses included: lack of due judicial process; arbitrary arrest; political prisoners; infringement of citizens' privacy rights; restrictions on freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and association; refugee abuse; restrictions on the right of citizens to change their government peacefully; restrictions on the activities of opposition political groups; official corruption and lack of transparency; discrimination against women; sexual and gender-based violence, including domestic violence, child abuse, female genital mutilation/cutting, and forced child marriage; trafficking in persons; lack of access for persons with disabilities; discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, particularly toward indigenous people."

Congo is not ranked "fully free" by the Freedom House index. The October 21st election results mean less than half of all the members of the UN's top human rights body are fully free democracies - 20 of 47.

The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center (ITIC) released its latest report on the identities of Palestinians killed in Operation Protective Edge. The main intent of this report, the sixth in a series of publications, is to determine which of the fatalities are "terrorist operatives" and which are "non-involved civilians." A total of 2,157 Palestinians were killed and, to date, ITIC has examined 1,017 names, or 47% of the total. Of those names:

- 435 of those killed were terrorist operatives.

- 439 of those killed were non-involved civilians.

- 143 people who were killed are unidentified at this stage - it cannot be determined whether they were terrorist operatives or non-involved civilians.

Not included in this report is the number of non-involved civilians (children and adults) killed as the result of being used by terrorist operatives as human shields.

On September 22, 2014, Flavia Pansieri, the United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, told the United Human Rights Council that "a staggering three fourths (1,479) of a total of 2,158 Palestinian fatalities were civilians, of them over one third (506( were children." It remains to be seen if the United Nations will correct its version of the death toll in light of ITIC's latest findings.

"The U.K. alone is now treating 300 women and girls each month for the aftereffects of the brutal, unnecessary surgery. We need Obama to follow through on his promise to eradicate it.

"New figures from the U.K. are finally revealing the true extent of female genital mutilation: In just six months, nearly 2,000 women and girls have been treated by Britain's National Health Service after undergoing the brutal procedure.

"And with these statistics, which have been made available for the first time, hiding from the issue is no longer an option for Britain and the U.S.-and President Obama's pledge to eradicate this abuse has never been more pressing.

"While FGM-the process of removing either parts or the entirety of the external female genitalia-has been a federal offense in the U.S. since 1996, a dearth of tangible data has meant years of Western authorities theorizing on the extent of (and solution to) the problem-with few results. Though the past year has seen a number of legislative steps being taken toward both identifying victims and punishing perpetrators, these calls to action have largely occurred on paper, and convictions remain nonexistent..."

"Prominent Bahraini rights activist Nabeel Rajab went on trial on Sunday over remarks published on his Twitter account that were critical of state institutions, his lawyer said, in a case that has drawn criticism from international civil society groups.

"Rajab is one of the most high-profile pro-democracy campaigners in the Arab world, and founder of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights.

"The hearing began on Sunday afternoon, where the court refused to release Rajab, according to his Twitter account. The hearing was adjourned until October 29.

"At the beginning of the month, Bahrain's Ministry of Interior said that Rajab had been summoned for questioning by the General Directorate of Anti-corruption and Economic and Electronic Security 'regarding tweets posted on his Twitter account that denigrated government institutions'.

"An associate of Rajab, writing on the activist's Twitter account, said on October 2 that Bahrain's Public Prosecution had ordered Rajab held for questioning for one week.

The Public Prosecution confirmed it had charged a person and had detained him for questioning, although it did not name the individual. The Public Prosecution also said, via its own Twitter account, that the detained person had confessed to publishing the offending comments after a complaint from the Interior Ministry."

Bloodstained medical materials mark the scene of a hit and run in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu near Montreal on Monday October 20, 2014.

"The man police say deliberately drove a car into two soldiers in a 'despicable act' the government linked to terrorist ideology had been arrested by RCMP this summer, a spokeswoman for the federal police force said Tuesday.
"Martine Fontaine said authorities met with Martin Rouleau-Couture as recently as Oct. 9 and that there was nothing to indicate any such violent behaviour was in the offing. One of the soldiers struck by the car died.
"Authorities held a late-afternoon news conference Tuesday and publicly identified Rouleau for the first time.
"The RCMP investigation into Rouleau began last June when they saw on his Facebook account he was 'radicalizing' himself.
"The RCMP were tracking Rouleau, along with 89 others who had intensions to join militant groups. Officials seized Rouleau's passport as he was about to leave the country but didn't have grounds to charge him with anything.
"'We couldn't arrest someone for having radical thoughts,' Fontaine said. 'It's not a crime in Canada. And unless we have clear indications of what he was doing, it was very difficult to prevent and stop him...'"

"Roya Saberinejad Nobakht, an Iranian-born British citizen, is being held in the Women's Ward at Evin Prison for postings on Facebook. In October 2013, she travelled to Iran to visit relatives but was arrested upon her arrival at Shiraz airport. She was sentenced to 20 years in prison by Branch 28 of the Revolutionary Court presided over by Judge Moghisei. British newspaper the Independent reported that Nobakht and her husband Dariush Taghipoor 'have lived in the Stockport suburb of Heald Green for the past six years and have both been granted dual British-Iranian nationality. Mrs. Nobakht had previously been a student at Stockport College, but a spokeswoman said today she had left four years ago.' According to the Independent, her husband Dariush Taghipoor told a family friend in England that his wife was arrested for comments she made on a Facebook group about the government, in which she said it was 'too Islamic' and that she was only charged after a confession was extracted from her 'under duress...'"